Keep Your Cat Tree In Good Shape With A Much Needed Deep Clean

The time and effort we put into cleaning our belongings should also be applied to our pet's toys, beds, and dishes. It's easy to forget to take the extra step to clean your pet's belongings when you have so much on your plate, so here's your gentle reminder. If you have a cat that loves playing and running all over its cat tree, it's time to give it a deep clean. When they spend most of the day laying and walking on the cat tree, they leave behind hair, food bits, and marks from their dirty paws. Removing all the shedding and gunk so that your cat can continue enjoying its safe place is vital, and using a vacuum, disinfectant, and steamer is the easiest way to clean a cat tree.

Cat trees help provide a fun, playful environment for your feline to release all of their energy and prevent them from jumping on places they shouldn't, like high shelves or tables. There are various cat tree sizes, and while some have multiple levels, others are shorter and have just a few spaces for your pet to rest. Moreover, they're often made with wicker or carpet to give your cat a place to emit their scratching urges so they don't ruin your couch or curtains. Since cats spend most of the time hanging around their tree, deep cleaning it once every few months will help prevent your pet from getting sick from the bacteria left behind.

When preparing to clean a cat tree, you'll need a vacuum, hair removal brush, steam cleaner, and pet-safe disinfectant. There are a few ways to obtain a disinfectant: purchase a pet-safe product such as Aunt Fannie's Cleaning Vinegar Spray, or make a disinfectant by mixing an equal ratio of vinegar and water in a spray bottle.

Cleaning the cat tree when disassembled will be easier, so it may be best to take apart the tree following the manufacturer's guide. Then, remove all of the cat hair with your vacuum. The brush attachment is great for removing the hair on the surface. Next, use a hair removal tool to scrape the hair tangled within the fabric. Try to get as much hair out of the tree as possible for the disinfectant to work better. Spray the disinfectant over every part of the cat tree and allow it to sit for up to five minutes. You could also use disinfectant wipes to clean off paw marks.

After the disinfectant has penetrated the fabric, use a steam cleaner to help eliminate bacteria and intense odors. Or, skip the steam cleaner and sprinkle some baking soda over the cat tree, which will also help get rid of odors. Ensure the tree is dry before adding any baking soda. Allow it to sit for an hour, then vacuum the tree again. Finally, let the cat tree dry and reassemble when it's ready.

Cleaning your cat tree once every few months is vital to keep your feline friend's space odor and bacteria-free. You don't want to wait too long before deep cleaning it. If you notice your cat avoiding its tree, you'll know it needs a refresh. However, weekly maintenance can help minimize the workload when it's time for a deep clean. For example, removing fur with an epilator, lint roller, or ChomChom pet hair removal product will prevent hair buildup. Make it part of your weekly chores to give the cat tree a quick scrape to remove fluff. Moreover, brush your cat daily so that they don't shed as much on the cat tree. When the deep clean day is near, all you'll have to do is vacuum any leftover hair.

On the other hand, apply an odor neutralizer every couple of weeks to prevent a foul smell from accumulating and getting stronger. Enzyme-based neutralizers work perfectly to eliminate pet odors in your home and on your cat tree. Ensure your cat isn't around when you apply them so they don't inhale the neutralizer and get sick. Pat the tree with a dry cloth and let it fully air dry before vacuuming the surface. This could help you avoid having to regularly steam clean the cat tree, which would save you time and energy.